Of Death & Interment

[DM Bob]

It takes a while.

But it's a bright clear olive skied day and the walk through the city is down and then up the main paved thoroughfare - and thus not in the poorer sections of town. Those are often a few streets deep from the road. Street merchants hawk wares, vendors produce foodstuffs and there are murmurings of the Games being in session this afternoon. You begin to take this all in as the elevations change. You walk up the hill, within the walls towards the Rokos Estate... at Coden's lead.

You've cleaned up quite well. If it weren't for the odd sizes of your party, you might be able to fit in just about anywhere in Balic (minus the slums).

Eventually, beyond pale green grass and dry vineyard, you happen to the marbled estates that once belonged to Coden's father. Now held by his Uncle Malikon, it at least seems to be kept in proper repair. There is no shortage of help working the grounds either.

The rather large pinkish marbled estate perches high and your arrival is most definitely noticed. Two uniformed crodlu riders jet off towards the grounds as you walk towards the front gate.

But other than that? There is no armed presence or act of immediate betrayal. The wide estate doors are manned by help... before a small fountain. While there are no obvious armed security about...?

It is most definitely there *somewhere* as you are funneled to the parlor by an aged human servitor (think Woodhouse from Archer) and left to briefly wait as your Uncle or family is summoned. Drinks are offered.

darksunsouthtablelands.obsidianportal.com/characters/malikon-rokos

[Attilius]

HurK takes the offered drinks as he looks around

[Deleted]

Mak takes note of the crodlu riders. "Coden, how large are the crodlu stables your Uncle keeps at this estate?"

Mak will linger at the fountain for a bit before catching up with the others in the parlor. It's not a hot spring... but the moving water is a refreshing sound.

[Coden Rokos (Jesse H.)]

Jan 3, 2021 2:39:15 GMT -12 @rpgagmjay said:

Mak takes note of the crodlu riders. "Coden, how large are the crodlu stables your Uncle keeps at this estate?"

Mak will linger at the fountain for a bit before catching up with the others in the parlor. It's not a hot spring... but the moving water is a refreshing sound.

"Surprisingly small, unless my uncle has changed things," says Coden. "My father didn't feel that we needed a large number of crodlu here, in the midst of the city. He felt that if he wanted a large number of crodlu, whether for food or for staging up a large caravan, it was simpler to purchase or buy a share in an animal handler's concern on the outskirts. Crodlu-riders aren't too common in this part of the city, because the house guards and templars keep the presence of unwanted visitors to a minimum. Thus there's not much call for more than a handful of the beasts, primarily for when a family member wants to go on a short ride for enjoyment or training."

[DM Bob]

This is correct. The runners are no real surprise... especially given the current grim circumstances.

Malikon soon arrives with his second eldest son, Petrus, in tow. The younger, dark haired man scowls briefly at Coden, but his Uncle shows no such emotion. He looks older than Coden remembers, and his eyes show sorrow or concern. It was hard to tell to be honest... one would not want to be caught betting in Three Armies against the elder Rokos, that was for certain.

He looks about at the young legionnaire's comrades and nods. Was that a smile briefly enticed from the left corner of his mouth?

"Coden. Perhaps I've underestimated you and your ambitions. Securing trade with Giants, I've heard? Allying with the Patricians? Tell me. Did you arrange to have my youngest son and his fair wife murdered?"

Petrus' hand connects with a bronze blade at his side, a look of sheer hatred in his eyes as he sizes up the group before them.

Malikon shakes his head, Petrus takes a step back.

"Tell me. Tell me what we can do to reach an impasse... but unless you wish to attempt on our lives now in broad daylight, know that I will remember your deeds and hunt you to the ends of the silt if need be."

[Niachi]

Laakh sizes up in return but without the hairy eyeball. Just a trader tagging along, nothing to see here. Blank face as he attempts Power Manipulation with Poison Sense in 1- yard radius on the entire tray of drinks offered, to ID the type of poison as he bows from the neck in thanks.

Poison Sense need 20, rolled 1.

He holds his cup but in view of HurK and the others, does not drink it yet, as if he is distracted by the verbal jabs from Malikon. He will try again in the next round between any lull in the words or actions..

[Deleted]

Mak just shakes his head but doesn't speak a word.

Grief can drive people to insanity, Malikon's insanity appears to be rather pointed. Hopefully as grief subsides he'll come to his senses.

[Attilius]

Jan 3, 2021 11:54:44 GMT -12 Niachi said:

He holds his cup but in view of HurK and the others, does not drink it yet, as if he is distracted by the verbal jabs from Malikon.

The muscled half giant looks at Laakh's held cup then at his cup then back at Laakh's. With a lump in his throat he slowly lowers his cup to his side remembering how quickly his dwarven companion, a race noted for their hardy poison resistance, died quickly to spider posion...

[Deleted]

Seeing the concern from his fellows regarding the recently imbibed drinks, Mak will step behind the massive bulk of Hurk. Using Somatic Concealment, Mak will cast Detect Poison [Lv.1, PHB].

Somatic Concealment Roll: 8 (Dex-1 = 16)

[Coden Rokos (Jesse H.)]

Coden retains his cool and says, "Uncle Malikon. Having been abroad involved in trading, I've been in no position to scheme assassinations, nor do I have the power with the Way to teleport from place to place to do such things myself. I am grieved by the passing of my cousins. I do not wish to fight with my own family; I came here only to offer my most sincere condolences."

He inclines his head to Petrus and says, "Truly, I am sorry that this has come to pass, but I came because of my concern for my family. All of you included."

"I have heard that the method of their passing was strange... that whoever did this left some marks behind. Is this correct? Perhaps with my connections I can help to find the true culprit and we can settle this."

His words are no doubt chosen carefully, but Coden seems to make it effortless. Once again, his phenomenal personal charisma shines to the fore—the combination of his firm delivery, his body language, and his sincerity all combining to provide the sense that his concern is genuine, his offer heartfelt, and that he is someone who will get things done.

Considering that Malikon is his rival for leadership in the House, it's easy to see how his uncle would consider him a threat.

[AthasianLaborer]

Jan 3, 2021 11:17:02 GMT -12 DM Bob said:

This is correct. The runners are no real surprise... especially given the current grim circumstances.

Malikon soon arrives with his second eldest son, Petrus, in tow. The younger, dark haired man scowls briefly at Coden, but his Uncle shows no such emotion. He looks older than Coden remembers, and his eyes show sorrow or concern. It was hard to tell to be honest... one would not want to be caught betting in Three Armies against the elder Rokos, that was for certain.

He looks about at the young legionnaire's comrades and nods. Was that a smile briefly enticed from the left corner of his mouth?

"Coden. Perhaps I've underestimated you and your ambitions. Securing trade with Giants, I've heard? Allying with the Patricians? Tell me. Did you arrange to have my youngest son and his fair wife murdered?"

Petrus' hand connects with a bronze blade at his side, a look of sheer hatred in his eyes as he sizes up the group before them.

Malikon shakes his head, Petrus takes a step back.

"Tell me. Tell me what we can do to reach an impasse... but unless you wish to attempt on our lives now in broad daylight, know that I will remember your deeds and hunt you to the ends of the silt if need be."

Victory stifles a belly laugh in response.  The hatred in Petrus' eyes is met by the unconcerned green gaze in Victory's eyes.  He says nothing verbally, but does take stock of the whole room once Petrus loses the staring contest.

[DM Bob]

No poison was detected.

Malikon's visage turns concerned and dark.

"We shall see. I have a water adept coming later this evening to provide divinations on the bodies. But I have a solid reason to believe your guilt... I suspect one of your friends has slaughtered my youngest."

He sighs.

"But, you never were the lying type... and to hire a killer? You're too much like my brother, beholden to morals. You may see your cousin's corpse in case I am wrong."

"But afterward? You will come back to this parlor and wait with the guards. Understood?"

He turns as Petrus states, "Leave your weapons at the door. I'll have them held until matters are settled."

The two back off slowly the way they came, the older servant nods and steps forward. "I can have one of the guards show you to the crypt. While I'm sure you know the way, Master Coden, it is best supervised given the circumstances."

[Deleted]

Mak lifts a glass and drinks from it and smiles at the others within his party to indicate that it's safe to drink.

Once Malikon and Petrus leave Mak looks to Coden, "Your relations are dangerous and clearly wish you ill. You should have us all with you or close by at all times while you are here. Many of us are dangerous without mundane weaponry."

"Your uncle's water priest may give false testimony of his divinations. It would be prudent to do our own if possible and gather evidence to counter any lies he plans to bring against you."

[Attilius]

HurK's shoulders relax in a subconscious sigh as he sees Mak drink. He too downs his water in a satisfying gulp.

The half giant grunts his agreement with the druids statements. Once alone he quietly says "I've known Coden longer than all of you. This fantastical accusation is a ridiculous smear campaign. Not to mention he's been WITH us for over a month. We best hear from his cousin, through Mak's magiks, quickly so we can get to the bottom of this murder..."

When prompted, he'll deposit his weapons where indicated.

[Niachi]

Laakh drinks and returns his cup. Deposits his weapons, takes the rear of marching order to the crypts. If a Rokos guard is following up the rear, he removes his new silly noble hat to get comfortable and observes the rearguard/s with his tattooed eye. Ready with Danger Sense etc etc.